MADEA'S FAMILY REUNION
Casting News

Casting is nearly complete on the next film from Tyler Perry's 2002 stage play, MADEA'S FAMILY REUNION. In addition to Blair Underwood, Boris Kodjoe, Henry Simmons, Lynn Whitfield, Jenifer Lewis, and Tangi Miller are set to star in the film. Tyler Perry, who not only will be returning as the three characters (Madea, Uncle Joe, and Brian), will be making his directorial debut. Madea's Family Reunion, which will start shooting in July, centers around a pistol happy granny named Madea (Tyer Perry). She tries to hold a family reunion, a funeral for her sister and a wedding for her granddaughter all on the same weekend. Distributed by Lions Gate Films, the film is slated to be released on February 24, 2006.

Reuben Cannon, who also produced Perry's first film, "Diary of a Mad Black Woman", will produce the new film as well. Lions Gate Films President of Production Mike Paseornek and Peter Block negotiated the deal for "Madea's" with Matt Johnson of Ziffren, Brittenham, Branca & Fischer LLP and Charles King of the William Morris Agency for Tyler Perry.